Lab-Grown Diamonds Rebranded as ‘Premium’ or ‘Standard

Quick summary

• The gemological Institute of America (GIA) announced it will stop applying the traditional 4Cs grading system (cut, color, clarity, carat weight) to lab-grown diamonds.
• Starting later this year, GIA will classify lab-grown diamonds as ‘premium’ or ‘standard,’ or leave them ungraded if quality is lacking.
• Industry experts view this change as reinforcing distinctions between natural and lab-grown diamonds in terms of material and symbolism.
• Kirit Bhansali, chairman of the gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), stated that the move enhances transparency for consumers and strengthens trust across India’s diamond manufacturing sector.
• Ashok Gajera from Laxmi Diamonds noted that increasing introspection on lab-grown diamond pricing led to this shift in classification norms.
• Amit Pratihari of De Beers India welcomed the decision as reaffirming the uniqueness of natural diamonds while Mukesh Patel from Greenlab Diamonds argued many labs already grade synthetic diamonds independently.
• Henry Smith from De Beers emphasized differences between natural and synthetic stones such as trace elements and growth patterns justify a separate categorization system.

!No more 4C grading

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Indian Opinion Analysis

The GIA’s decision marks a significant shift in global gemology by formally distinguishing lab-grown diamonds from natural ones through simplified descriptors rather than conventional 4Cs grading. For India-an influential player in both natural and synthetic diamond manufacturing-this advancement could enhance consumer confidence while ensuring clarity about product differentiation.

By tailoring classification methods for synthetics like LGDs, industries avoid misleading comparisons with naturally occurring gems formed under unique geological conditions. This change may further solidify India’s standing in international diamond trade by promoting both ethical practices and innovation within its thriving export ecosystem.

However, challenges surrounding perceptions about pricing longevity still persist amid debates over value disparity between naturally formed gems versus laboratory-created stones. While welcomed by many industry leaders including de Beers India and GJEPC officials for fostering transparency, smaller manufacturers might adjust operations to adapt to disrupted competitive dynamics caused by broader adoption limits via groups like GIA degrees